Search Hawaii Homes and Condos

It’s hard to believe that a small beachside town like Kailua still exists, considering that the fast-paced city of Honolulu sits just 12 miles away, on the other side of Ko‘olau mountain. These two communities may be separated by a mountain, but in reality Kailua is a world away from Honolulu; they couldn’t be more different!

The small town of Kailua sits right on the ocean, giving residents and visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the water, along with some of the best beaches in the world. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and amazing ocean views every single day… this is just one of the many wonderful things you’ll get to enjoy if you buy a home in Kailua. Read on to discover more wonderful things about Kailua and why it’s such a great place to call home.

Why Choose Kailua?

Kailua is such a serene and beautiful place that it probably won’t surprise you to hear that it was a popular destination for vacationing Hawaiian royalty. Nowadays the closest you might see to royalty is the Obama family. They’ve spent their Christmas holidays here seven years in a row. The “Obama effect” has definitely increased awareness of this laid-back beachside town, so there are more tourists visiting than there used to be, but still, this is a quiet piece of paradise compared to the likes of Waikiki. There are no high-rise hotels or condos, just some amazing stretches of sand, and enough places to shop for all your everyday essentials.

But, this isn’t just a place that will appeal to royalty or presidents, in fact, the majority of the roughly 38,000 residents are very down to earth people looking for a quieter life, somewhere they can enjoy the simple pleasures, raise their families, and perhaps commute into nearby Honolulu for work.

As I already mentioned, Kailua is located across the Ko‘olau mountain from Honolulu, so it’s set on the windward side of Oahu, on the southeast of the island. The big city is less than 30 minutes by road, so you can see why plenty of Kailua residents choose to commute to work, especially considering the peace and quiet they come back to every evening. Even with a stressful career, the tranquility you’ll find in Kailua will instantly lower your blood pressure! And the nice thing is, when you need to buy more than just groceries you know you can get to Honolulu quickly and easily for everything you could possibly need. That’s not to say you’ll have to leave Kailua every other day; there are plenty of places to shop here too, as well as low-key places to eat or enjoy a drink, just with a slower pace of life. And the twice-a-week farmers’ market is always a hit!

Great Quality of Life in Kailua

Kailuans are very proud of their town and its relaxed atmosphere, and it’s becoming more and more popular with young families who are seeking a better quality of life. If you’re considering making the move to Kailua you’ll be happy to know that this is a safe and stable community with great schools. There are 13 public schools that cater to the families in town, offering the full range of education from K to 12, and Kailua has high graduation rates. The town is safe, with less crime than in Honolulu or in Hawaii as a whole, and the housing market is very stable, so when you buy a home in Kailua you know you’re making a good investment, but more on that in a moment.

Aside from being a safe and friendly place, living in Kailua means you can enjoy the great outdoors, every day. How many towns can boast two of the best beaches in the world? Kailua can! Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach front Kailua Bay and are both protected by reefs so the waves are gentle and the beautiful white sands are as soft as powder. Both beaches are consistently ranked within the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Imagine having these beaches as your backyard!

It goes without saying that there are ample activities for residents and visitors to Kailua, whether it’s swimming, snorkeling, surfing or paddle boarding on the water, and there’s plenty of places to hike on dry land including the popular Lanikai Pillbox hike as well as multiple golf courses within easy reach.

Buying a Home in Kailua

By now you’re probably already thinking about moving to Kailua, so you’ll want to know what type of homes you can buy and how much real estate in Kailua costs.

First, it’s important to say that the real estate market in Kailua is booming. While this means that prices are rising due to increased demand to buy homes here, it also means you’re buying a great investment that’s unlikely to drop in value in years to come. Median list prices obviously change by the day, but they are impacted by inventory – the fewer homes listed for sale, the higher the price of those homes. Suffice it to say, for a luxurious and spacious single family home you may need to spend over $2 million whereas you can purchase a condo or townhome for less than a million dollars but these prices will be impacted by how close the home is to the beach and whether it has a view.

On many of Kailua’s residential streets you won’t have to spend quite this much, but it’s important that you work with a realtor who knows Kailua so you can be sure you’re paying the right price for the right property. Give me a call, I’d be delighted to help you find your own dream Kailua home.

Property Description

Great single family home with endless possibilities. Large level lot with view of tranquil Manoa Valley and stream. Upgrade included new appliances, fresh painting and more! Expandable floor plan with spacious land all around. Desirable location close to Manoa Valley district park and Manoa Elementary. First Open 5/10, 2-5pm. Broker's open 5/6 9:30-12Noon. Don't miss out rare opportunity to live in Peaceful Manoa Garden location.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is the hot new place to live in Waikiki, and the ultra-luxury condominium tower is redefining residential lifestyle in Honolulu. In a sophisticated world that seems reserved for vacationing, this is one vacation you can live in every day.

These fully furnished units are as high-end and efficient as possible, including oak hardwood flooring, white Tibetan marble bathroom counters, and Miele appliances. On the property, residences will enjoy full access to a sparkling infinity-edge swimming pool and a full-service spa pool with an adult-only section. Residents can get fit in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or enjoy the music in the entertainment lounge.

When it comes to food and drinks, this development does not disappoint. The Ritz-Carlton includes a world-famous gourmet market and café as well as a highly praised sushi restaurant on-site. For a ritzy meal without the commute, check out the tower's all-day restaurant, where residents are rewarded with a beautiful ocean view.

The Ritz-Carlton at Waikiki Beach, just off Kuhio Avenue, will house 324 units ranging from 450 to 1,712 square feet. Prices for these lofty, lavish condos start at $500,000 for cozy studio layouts and top $15 million for deluxe suites. Studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts will be offered.

The Ritz-Carlton's neighborhood is defined by Fort DeRussy Park and its beach, Kalakaua Avenue and its shops, and a good portion of downtown Waikiki. Residents will find endless options for daytime and nighttime activities, whether the attraction is dining, shopping, or playing. Virtually on the doorstep of the community will also be Luxury Row, a collection of world-renowned brands like Gucci, Chanel, Coach, and Hugo Boss all in one exciting shopping trip.

While construction on the tower is still ongoing and a second tower may be added, developers plan to premiere the development in early 2016

If you’re looking for a luxury condo that’s close to it all and has an urban feel, look no further than the up-and-coming area of Kakaako, Honolulu. This neighborhood is characterized by sleek, state-of-the-art condominiums with excellent views and progressive community spaces. What was once a Native Hawaiian community with royalty has become an urbanites paradise with an excellent walkability score.

Referred to as the “crossroads of Honolulu,” Kakaako is located between Ala Moana near Waikiki to the east and downtown Honolulu and Honolulu harbor to the west. Main roads in the neighborhood include Ala Moana Boulevard and Kapi’olani Boulevard. This past October, the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit announced plans to extend the rail station and have a stop in Kakaako. This creates an even more ideal location as you can hop on the train and get to most places in the city. The new train station will be located near Halekauwila and Ward Avenue. Kakaako is indeed growing at a rapid rate and is estimated to see thousands of new residents within the next decade. There hasn’t been a better time to purchase a home in such a developing area of Honolulu.

With a “love, work, and play” vision for the area, developers have been dreaming up amenities galore. There are many developments on the horizon along with already existing community features. Ward Center, also known as Ward Village, is a massive shopping center close by that has the largest theater megaplex in all of Hawaii. This entertainment destination “centers around you” and has over 135 specialty shops and restaurants. Another unique community feature is the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Since 1964, this arts center has welcomed patrons with concerts, performances and fine art. Known as “Hawaii’s entertainment center in paradise,” Neal S. Blaisdell is surely an asset to the area of Kakaako. New boutiques offering one-of-a-kind items are popping up and festivals are being held within the neighborhood. All you have to do is step outside and you’ll be welcomed by some of the best entertainment and dining in the state.

Situated along the southern shores of Oahu, the view of the crystal clear water is enough of a reason to embrace this area of Hawaii. If you’re looking for places to work out and enjoy with children, Kakaako has that too. Unlike any other area in the state, Kakaako has a 3,225 square foot indoor park that’s free to the general public. Locals hang out at Kakaako Waterfront Park, which just underwent a facelift. Families and young marrieds enjoy paved walkways for jogging and bike riding. From this community space you can get a great view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. Community members have recently welcomed a new gym, Kakaako Fitness as well.

Hawaii Kai is a stunning community on the eastern end of Oahu, where residents escape the usual tourist-filled areas and enjoy idyllic Hawaiian tranquility. With aquamarine water and a beautiful landscape, this area paints the picture of a perfect getaway while still offering plenty of amenities.

Henry J. Kaiser developed this coastal community in 1959, which turned the flatlands into a lovely town and the fishpond into a marina. Hawaii Kai now consists of several neighborhoods, including hillside and waterfront properties. Some residents even opt for individual boat docks alongside their homes—a surprisingly rare feature on Oahu! For something more modest, condominiums are a great choice and still allow you to partake of Hawaii Kai's fabulous lifestyle.

Imagine waking up and heading to Sandy Beach, a long stretch of soft sand perfect for tanning and people watching. The water is not ideal for swimming, but the large waves attract body surfers and thrill-seekers. Lifeguards generally keep tourists out of the water, too, so the beach tends to be quiet and uncrowded. There is world-class scuba diving and snorkeling in the coral reef, and the more experienced you are, the deeper you can delve into the beautiful cove. All of this is easily accessible from properties across the street from Sandy Beach.

If you are looking for more seclusion, check out the homes in Queens Gate or Laulima, located just minutes from excellent golf courses like Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Makapuʻu Lighthouse, and Hanauma Bay are a few other attractions in the Kalama Valley area.

While Hawaii Kai is filled with exciting outdoor activities, residents still enjoy all of the necessary amenities, including three elementary schools, a veterinary clinic, and Koko Marina Center, where you can dine, shop, and catch a movie all in one stop.

Prices for housing here tend to run high, and the most luxurious homes with picturesque ocean views will set you back about $5 million. Less flashy options, however, start at about $425,000 with a huge variety of properties to choose from. While upscale homes boast everything from media rooms to secluded beach areas, more modestly priced condominiums and apartments still offer on-site pools, extra storage, and convenient locations.